October 22,23,24,25&26, 2009
These last several days have been a real drag. I am trying to get my Coumadin(blood thinner)regulated. It has to be at a certain level and sometimes it takes a while to regulate it. I have decided not to begin working out again until it is regulated and time has pasted so the blood clots could dissolve. I feel fine and I am getting real antsy just waiting around.
Tried speaking to my wife about the biking but she was not up to it yet. I think she knows how I feel and is putting off talking about it. I believe I can minimize the risk by biking only 3 or 4 days outside, only in sunny weather and not riding as fast. Also only riding on roads I am familiar with. Obviously there is still a risk but isn't life a risk?
I have been doing my core strength exercises every other day. Tomorrow I will start to walk on the treadmill for a bit and begin to build up my strength again.
Phil
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wish I was Riding
October 21, 2009
For an October day it was simply spectacular outside. Sunny, high in the 60s, no wind. A perfect day for a ride. The problem is I am not allowed to ride until at least next week. Really missed it today. Got up early and did crunches and push ups. Walked on the treadmill for a mile and THAT was my workout. Still waiting to get my Coumadin regulated and the clots dissolved. Tomorrow I am going to see a hematologist in NYC to see if there are any answers to why I got the blood clots.
The real problem that I have not addressed yet has to do with Rene. She does not want me to ride outside. She told me I can run all I want. The problem with that is my body can no longer take the pounding of running like it use to. Sure I can get into shape and probably run well but for how long before I get hurt. Will have to have a serious talk with her this weekend. Wish me luck.
Phil
For an October day it was simply spectacular outside. Sunny, high in the 60s, no wind. A perfect day for a ride. The problem is I am not allowed to ride until at least next week. Really missed it today. Got up early and did crunches and push ups. Walked on the treadmill for a mile and THAT was my workout. Still waiting to get my Coumadin regulated and the clots dissolved. Tomorrow I am going to see a hematologist in NYC to see if there are any answers to why I got the blood clots.
The real problem that I have not addressed yet has to do with Rene. She does not want me to ride outside. She told me I can run all I want. The problem with that is my body can no longer take the pounding of running like it use to. Sure I can get into shape and probably run well but for how long before I get hurt. Will have to have a serious talk with her this weekend. Wish me luck.
Phil
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Recuperating
October 17,18,19&20,2009
I am home and back to a normal routine. Left the hospital on Saturday. I have to give myself injections for a week until the Coumadin that I have started taking is regulated. Will have to be on that medicine for the rest of my life. This is where the challenge occurs. Coumadin is a blood thinner and if I am in an accident where I have internal bleeding, there can be real trouble in stopping the blood flow. Needless to say my family does not want me to bike any more. The doctors do not want me start exercising until next Monday. By then I will have to make a decision. Right now I want to continue to bike. Obviously within the next month I will be doing my biking inside. But I have to make a decision about the Tour challenge.
I am seeing a hematologist on Thursday and will see what her thoughts are and to see if she has any idea where the clots came from.
In the mean time, I started doing my core strength exercises and quad lifts to maintain my condition. Life is always throwing us a curve. All we can do is concentrate and try and go with it.
Phil
I am home and back to a normal routine. Left the hospital on Saturday. I have to give myself injections for a week until the Coumadin that I have started taking is regulated. Will have to be on that medicine for the rest of my life. This is where the challenge occurs. Coumadin is a blood thinner and if I am in an accident where I have internal bleeding, there can be real trouble in stopping the blood flow. Needless to say my family does not want me to bike any more. The doctors do not want me start exercising until next Monday. By then I will have to make a decision. Right now I want to continue to bike. Obviously within the next month I will be doing my biking inside. But I have to make a decision about the Tour challenge.
I am seeing a hematologist on Thursday and will see what her thoughts are and to see if she has any idea where the clots came from.
In the mean time, I started doing my core strength exercises and quad lifts to maintain my condition. Life is always throwing us a curve. All we can do is concentrate and try and go with it.
Phil
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Blood Clots Have Returned
October 15 & 16, 2009
Yesterday my worst fears were realized. Exactly two years ago after returning from a trip to Italy,I got several blood clots in my lungs that did damage to my lungs. I had a filter put into my main vein to stop future clots from doing damage. I also was on blood thinner for 9 months. Since then I have gotten into the best shape of my life. After my 100 miler on Saturday, I had an easy 30 on Sunday. On Monday I ran on the treadmill. That is when I noticed a problem. Running at a 10 minute pace and 0 incline my heart rate went up to 140 bpm. Way to high for that pace. I biked easy on Tuesday and had a good ride on Wednesday. Thought I was OK. I ran again yesterday and pushed it. I knew I was in trouble.
Called the doctor and had a cat scan. Found two blood clots in my lungs. With a filter it is hard to figure out where they came from. Reality is I will now be on blood thinner the rest of my life. The problem with that is if you fall and have internal bleeding it will be life threatening. Do I stop biking and cut back my exercise. I don't think so.
I have a week now where I will not work out as the blood clots dissolve. I will have to decide what to do during the week. I have really enjoyed the biking and the challenge. It will be hard to stop. Will figure it out over the next week.
Life must go on.
Phil
Yesterday my worst fears were realized. Exactly two years ago after returning from a trip to Italy,I got several blood clots in my lungs that did damage to my lungs. I had a filter put into my main vein to stop future clots from doing damage. I also was on blood thinner for 9 months. Since then I have gotten into the best shape of my life. After my 100 miler on Saturday, I had an easy 30 on Sunday. On Monday I ran on the treadmill. That is when I noticed a problem. Running at a 10 minute pace and 0 incline my heart rate went up to 140 bpm. Way to high for that pace. I biked easy on Tuesday and had a good ride on Wednesday. Thought I was OK. I ran again yesterday and pushed it. I knew I was in trouble.
Called the doctor and had a cat scan. Found two blood clots in my lungs. With a filter it is hard to figure out where they came from. Reality is I will now be on blood thinner the rest of my life. The problem with that is if you fall and have internal bleeding it will be life threatening. Do I stop biking and cut back my exercise. I don't think so.
I have a week now where I will not work out as the blood clots dissolve. I will have to decide what to do during the week. I have really enjoyed the biking and the challenge. It will be hard to stop. Will figure it out over the next week.
Life must go on.
Phil
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Cold Weather Has Arrived
October 14, 2009
Today was the first day I biked in weather below 50 this year. I guess it was about 45 degrees when I went out in the afternoon to bike. Luckily the wind was not blowing hard. I dressed properly. I had on tights, two layers of upper body clothes and a wind breaker. I was able to do without extra gloves and ear covers. If the weather is below 40, those are a must.
The ride today was a good one. Little traffic in the afternoon and without the wind, it was really relaxing. I am finding that doing 40 miles, about 2 1/2 hours, is a short easy ride. Two months ago I would have been thrilled to do 40 miles. Now it really is a short ride. How one's perspective changes as you change your goals and do the miles.
Phil
Today was the first day I biked in weather below 50 this year. I guess it was about 45 degrees when I went out in the afternoon to bike. Luckily the wind was not blowing hard. I dressed properly. I had on tights, two layers of upper body clothes and a wind breaker. I was able to do without extra gloves and ear covers. If the weather is below 40, those are a must.
The ride today was a good one. Little traffic in the afternoon and without the wind, it was really relaxing. I am finding that doing 40 miles, about 2 1/2 hours, is a short easy ride. Two months ago I would have been thrilled to do 40 miles. Now it really is a short ride. How one's perspective changes as you change your goals and do the miles.
Phil
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Easy Ride
October 13,2009
Had an easy ride today. Was actually going to go out for a longer ride but didn't sleep to well and was a little sluggish. Decided not to push it. Rode 25 miles. It was real easy. I am at the point now that if I do not go 40 miles it just seems like a "jog". Granted I have not been pushing my rides. Keep them at about 15 mph. When I go inside on the trainer, I will really start to do interval work and start to build up my anaerobic capacity. Each ride my confidence builds that I can indeed do the Tour mileage.
Phil
Had an easy ride today. Was actually going to go out for a longer ride but didn't sleep to well and was a little sluggish. Decided not to push it. Rode 25 miles. It was real easy. I am at the point now that if I do not go 40 miles it just seems like a "jog". Granted I have not been pushing my rides. Keep them at about 15 mph. When I go inside on the trainer, I will really start to do interval work and start to build up my anaerobic capacity. Each ride my confidence builds that I can indeed do the Tour mileage.
Phil
Monday, October 12, 2009
Good Recovery
October 11 & 12, 2009
After biking the 100 miles on Saturday I was curious as to how I would feel the rest of the day and the next day. Well, the rest of Saturday was OK. I had a good lunch of pasta and then watched some sports on TV. Would have liked to have made it an early evening but I had a wedding to go to and thus did not get to sleep till 2:00am. Surprisingly I was fine.
On Sunday morning I got up and went out for a ride. Rode 32 miles and felt good. Only had a little soreness in my quads. But that is to be expected. Again would have liked to rest the whole day, but had to go into NYC for a dinner engagement. Considering what I did the last 4 days of biking, I am really encouraged that I can do the mileage.
Today, I did my core exercises and some light running indoors. The cold weather has arrived and I will see how long I can stay outside riding. I do not like the cold but I will try and ride outside as long as I can.
Phil
After biking the 100 miles on Saturday I was curious as to how I would feel the rest of the day and the next day. Well, the rest of Saturday was OK. I had a good lunch of pasta and then watched some sports on TV. Would have liked to have made it an early evening but I had a wedding to go to and thus did not get to sleep till 2:00am. Surprisingly I was fine.
On Sunday morning I got up and went out for a ride. Rode 32 miles and felt good. Only had a little soreness in my quads. But that is to be expected. Again would have liked to rest the whole day, but had to go into NYC for a dinner engagement. Considering what I did the last 4 days of biking, I am really encouraged that I can do the mileage.
Today, I did my core exercises and some light running indoors. The cold weather has arrived and I will see how long I can stay outside riding. I do not like the cold but I will try and ride outside as long as I can.
Phil
Saturday, October 10, 2009
100 Miler Complete
October 10, 2009
I have been waiting for this day since I made the commitment to this project. Had pizza last night and was ready to go this morning. The weather was in the low 60s, windy and cloudy. I decided to go to Sandy Hook and do some laps there until I got bored and then home and finish up with whatever I needed. Brought with me a banana, 3 gel paks, chumps, water and an energy mix. Ate it all.
The ride was interesting. After 25 miles, I said how am I going to do another 75. Then when I hit 50 miles I felt OK. At the 5 hour mark, knowing I had another 1 1/2 hours I got anxious and had to tell myself to relax. I have to realize that it is not a race and no need to finish 15 minutes quicker. Get comfortable, get in a zone and just pedal.
When I completed the 100 miles in 6 1/2 hours, I actually felt great. The only sore part was my left quad and that was not to bad. I had a large bowl of pasta about 30 minutes after finishing with some apple sauce on the side. I actually have a wedding to go to tonight and we won't be eating to probably around 8 tonight. It is only an hour after the pasta and I am already hungry again. This whole experience is going to be fun and interesting.
Tomorrow, I will see how I feel and try to get about 40 miles in. Would like to follow this up with a good ride. Not ready yet to put back to back 100 miles together. That will come. Lets see how my body reacts.
Phil
I have been waiting for this day since I made the commitment to this project. Had pizza last night and was ready to go this morning. The weather was in the low 60s, windy and cloudy. I decided to go to Sandy Hook and do some laps there until I got bored and then home and finish up with whatever I needed. Brought with me a banana, 3 gel paks, chumps, water and an energy mix. Ate it all.
The ride was interesting. After 25 miles, I said how am I going to do another 75. Then when I hit 50 miles I felt OK. At the 5 hour mark, knowing I had another 1 1/2 hours I got anxious and had to tell myself to relax. I have to realize that it is not a race and no need to finish 15 minutes quicker. Get comfortable, get in a zone and just pedal.
When I completed the 100 miles in 6 1/2 hours, I actually felt great. The only sore part was my left quad and that was not to bad. I had a large bowl of pasta about 30 minutes after finishing with some apple sauce on the side. I actually have a wedding to go to tonight and we won't be eating to probably around 8 tonight. It is only an hour after the pasta and I am already hungry again. This whole experience is going to be fun and interesting.
Tomorrow, I will see how I feel and try to get about 40 miles in. Would like to follow this up with a good ride. Not ready yet to put back to back 100 miles together. That will come. Lets see how my body reacts.
Phil
Friday, October 9, 2009
Moving Along
October 8 & 9, 2009
Yesterday I went to bike during lunch. The wind just does not seem to die down this fall. It was still at about 10 to 15 miles an hour. Hard ride out. Kept it to a short ride doing only 17 miles. Quads are tight. With the leg lifting to strengthen the quads and all the riding into the wind, which is similar to hill workouts, I am definitely sore.
Today I got up and did an early ride. Rode into the wind and had an easy ride home. Did 25 miles. Looking forward to doing at least one real long ride over the weekend. Maybe will achieve the 100 miles I need for my confidence.
Phil
Yesterday I went to bike during lunch. The wind just does not seem to die down this fall. It was still at about 10 to 15 miles an hour. Hard ride out. Kept it to a short ride doing only 17 miles. Quads are tight. With the leg lifting to strengthen the quads and all the riding into the wind, which is similar to hill workouts, I am definitely sore.
Today I got up and did an early ride. Rode into the wind and had an easy ride home. Did 25 miles. Looking forward to doing at least one real long ride over the weekend. Maybe will achieve the 100 miles I need for my confidence.
Phil
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Massage Day
October 7, 2009
Couldn't bike outside today because the wind was howling at about 40 miles per hour. I had a massage scheduled for the morning and boy did I need it. I am trying to get one every other week. My muscles after two weeks are screaming for relief. Today's was great. Later in the day I felt good so I ran easy for 6 miles.I guess I am compulsive because I can't take a total day off and feel comfortable about it. I listen to my body and when it says total rest, I do take the day off. Look forward to getting back on the bike tomorrow.
Phil
Couldn't bike outside today because the wind was howling at about 40 miles per hour. I had a massage scheduled for the morning and boy did I need it. I am trying to get one every other week. My muscles after two weeks are screaming for relief. Today's was great. Later in the day I felt good so I ran easy for 6 miles.I guess I am compulsive because I can't take a total day off and feel comfortable about it. I listen to my body and when it says total rest, I do take the day off. Look forward to getting back on the bike tomorrow.
Phil
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Mind Games
October 6, 2009
I am so much better at riding when I roll out of bed and go right to my bike. That way I do the ride and when done I can get back to my life and business. Today it was beautiful out but real chilly in the morning. The forecast was for sunny and high in the 60s for later in the day. I decided to ride later on. When I do that, I become anxious and have to decide when to go. At lunch, midday or later in the day. Well I finally decided to ride around 2:00. It was warm and sunny and I had a good ride. Did an easy 30 miles in under 2 hours.
The weather for the rest of the week calls for rain every other day. The two best days look like Thursday and Sunday. Plan on long rides those days.
Phil
I am so much better at riding when I roll out of bed and go right to my bike. That way I do the ride and when done I can get back to my life and business. Today it was beautiful out but real chilly in the morning. The forecast was for sunny and high in the 60s for later in the day. I decided to ride later on. When I do that, I become anxious and have to decide when to go. At lunch, midday or later in the day. Well I finally decided to ride around 2:00. It was warm and sunny and I had a good ride. Did an easy 30 miles in under 2 hours.
The weather for the rest of the week calls for rain every other day. The two best days look like Thursday and Sunday. Plan on long rides those days.
Phil
Monday, October 5, 2009
Wish I Had the TIme
October 4 & 5, 2009
Yesterday I had a good ride. My only problem was that I had to cut it short because I had a family function to go to. Got out early and rode to Sandy Hook. Real heavy fog over the Hook that did not lift until I was almost ready to leave for the ride home.Cool and nice riding weather. Actually past the start of the Jersey Shore 1/2 Marathon. In my old days I would have felt real jealous that I was not running. But I felt relaxed and glad I was on the bike. Wound up doing 45 miles. I said to my wife when I got home that if we did not have to go to the city I would have thought about continuing for another several hours. Now I am looking at the weather for the upcoming weekend and thinking about 75 to 100 miler.
Today I had planned as a day off. I did my core strength exercises and ran for 45 minutes. Good run anaerobically. Raised the treadmill between level 2 and 5 and got my heart rate up to 154. This is a good way to get my HR up till I bring the bike indoors and start anaerobic training on the bike.
Phil
Yesterday I had a good ride. My only problem was that I had to cut it short because I had a family function to go to. Got out early and rode to Sandy Hook. Real heavy fog over the Hook that did not lift until I was almost ready to leave for the ride home.Cool and nice riding weather. Actually past the start of the Jersey Shore 1/2 Marathon. In my old days I would have felt real jealous that I was not running. But I felt relaxed and glad I was on the bike. Wound up doing 45 miles. I said to my wife when I got home that if we did not have to go to the city I would have thought about continuing for another several hours. Now I am looking at the weather for the upcoming weekend and thinking about 75 to 100 miler.
Today I had planned as a day off. I did my core strength exercises and ran for 45 minutes. Good run anaerobically. Raised the treadmill between level 2 and 5 and got my heart rate up to 154. This is a good way to get my HR up till I bring the bike indoors and start anaerobic training on the bike.
Phil
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Last Day of Golf
October 2&3, 2009
Yesterday, Friday, I did not ride or run. I had a golf tournament I was committed to. Played the worst golf in years. Also my back can not really take the stress of the golf game. That was the last day of golf till I have completed my goal. Maybe an easy day with my dad here and there but that will be it. I really like the game but I am now committed to the goal.
Today, Saturday, I got up and was expecting to ride indoors because the weather forecast was for heavy rain. Surprise! It was only cloudy and I was able to get 40 miles and 2 1/2 hours outside on the bike. Easy ride along the shore heading south. I have developed a problem that I will have to resolve. I have to urinate every hour and it is a real pain to find places to go. Seeing the doctor in two weeks and hopefully he can figure out my problem. Tomorrow I have a luncheon with my family in NYC so I am going for an early ride to try and get another 50 plus ride in.
Phil
Yesterday, Friday, I did not ride or run. I had a golf tournament I was committed to. Played the worst golf in years. Also my back can not really take the stress of the golf game. That was the last day of golf till I have completed my goal. Maybe an easy day with my dad here and there but that will be it. I really like the game but I am now committed to the goal.
Today, Saturday, I got up and was expecting to ride indoors because the weather forecast was for heavy rain. Surprise! It was only cloudy and I was able to get 40 miles and 2 1/2 hours outside on the bike. Easy ride along the shore heading south. I have developed a problem that I will have to resolve. I have to urinate every hour and it is a real pain to find places to go. Seeing the doctor in two weeks and hopefully he can figure out my problem. Tomorrow I have a luncheon with my family in NYC so I am going for an early ride to try and get another 50 plus ride in.
Phil
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Mid-day Ride
October 1, 2009
Decided to wait till the day got a little warmer. As always happens, it was sunny and cold in the morning and when I went to ride at 12:30 clouds arrived, strong winds and the temperatures actually started to drop again. But it was good to get on the bike for a longer ride. I did 40 miles in a little under 2 1/2 hours.I am starting to relax on the bike and realize that there is no rush to get home. Just enjoy the ride. This is not a race. My mentality is to always go hard because I am so competitive. This phase of my training now calls for me to just do the miles. Have to remember that so I can enjoy the journey.
Phil
Decided to wait till the day got a little warmer. As always happens, it was sunny and cold in the morning and when I went to ride at 12:30 clouds arrived, strong winds and the temperatures actually started to drop again. But it was good to get on the bike for a longer ride. I did 40 miles in a little under 2 1/2 hours.I am starting to relax on the bike and realize that there is no rush to get home. Just enjoy the ride. This is not a race. My mentality is to always go hard because I am so competitive. This phase of my training now calls for me to just do the miles. Have to remember that so I can enjoy the journey.
Phil
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